Former Sunderland centre-half Mensah was released by Lyon this summer.

Manchester United and Arsenal old boy Silvestre, who has spent two seasons at Germany's Werder Bremen, hopes to prove he can still play in the Premier League at 35.

Allardyce, who had the knack of finding life in old dogs during his days as boss, will run the rule over the trio in the next few days.

He is looking to pad out his squad for the coming months of Premier League action with bargains after spending heavily on star signings Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis in August.

* CARLTON COLE reckons the signing of Andy Carroll will make him a better player.

The West Ham No 9 is set to make his 150th start for the club at Norwich on Saturday with the on-loan striker out with a hamstring injury.

And Cole, the club’s top scorer in the last four seasons, said: “It’s better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll.

"He is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it’s just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player.

“Every year, you have to have people challenging for places because it is healthy for the club. I’m a guy who believes in that and you could get complacent if you know you are going to play week-in, week-out.”

Cole added the return of his former team-mate Yossi Benayoun will add more creativity to Sam Allardyce’s side.

“It’s looking tasty!” he said. “We’ve got a lot of players who can go forward and fit in.

“Everything is looking fruitful in and around the club and I’m very happy to be involved.”